World Cup fans see double standard in stadium politics ban

DOHA : When is it and is not it acceptable to display a political banner at the World Cup in Qatar? The answer seems to depend largely on the political message, with fans criticising what they see as inconsistent enforcement of FIFA rules by the host country.

The contrast was laid bare this week outside the Al Thumama stadium. On Thursday, security ushered through hundreds of fans draped in flags, hats and scarves showing support for Palestine ahead of the Morocco v Canada match. Ahead of the match, FIFA's Human Rights department sent an email to fans who complained about treatment at earlier Iran matches, clarifying that 'Women.Life.Freedom' or the name or portrait of Mahsa Amini - the woman whose death in Iranian police custody sparked the unrest - are allowed in stadiums.Qatar's World Cup organisers said that"security authorities stepped in to deescalate tension and restore calm.

He said there had been"staggering" inconsistency over Iranian slogans, saying fans had worn T-shirts declaring support for the protests at some games while getting into trouble for wearing them at Iran's matches. A FIFA Qatar World Cup stadium code of conduct prohibits banners, flags, fliers, apparel and other paraphernalia of a"political, offensive and/or discriminatory nature".

By contrast, symbols of support for the Palestinians have been widely seen."I felt welcomed by the Qatari people and by all present here ... people greet us with ‘Palestine Palestine'," said Palestinian fan Saeed Khalil.

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